Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/127001
l . . and offer great service and catering facilities." caterers, lighting, audio-visual equipment, etc. "Another really important question to ask," says McNally, "is when the decorator is able to access the venue. Some venues only allow for a one- to two-hour preset and so a decorator will need to bring on extra man power to get the job done in a shorter time frame, in turn adding cost to your décor budget." Food first And don't forget about catering either. "Food is one of the most important elements of a spectacular celebration," says Lavin. "A great caterer is a true artist and the menu is their canvas. Caterers should be able to offer a custom menu aside from what they typically offer and be able to accommodate food sensitivities. They should also be familiar with the location, do a site check and be able to provide professional staffing. The meal is so important and I always insist on a tasting to ensure both the taste and presentation is exactly perfect." Agreeing that flexibility is an asset, McNally notes that she's seeing a growing number of couples looking for caterers that offer organic, locally sourced foods, and creative or ethnic fusion menus. "Often just listening to [a caterer's] sales pitch will allow you to determine if they are a good match," she says. Once you've found your match, "it's a good idea to ask the caterer to offer a sample quote factoring in all the typical requirements including service and labour, dishes, bar equipment, tables and chairs," says McNally, who advises to determine if those figures also include setup and take down. realweddings.ca RF Productions.indd 1 p22-27_RealAdvice-Venue.indd 25 25 13-03-12 3:46 PM 13-04-22 10:28 AM